Pre-Purchase Inspection/Advice (Dallas)

[AvCruiser]

I've been following the forum for a little over a year, plotting my transition into a cruiser of some sort. The advice and information available here has been beyond helpful, leading me to settle on a 100 series. I've located the vehicle(linked below)in TX and would like to have someone perform a pre-purchase inspection, as I am in Virginia and will be purchasing sight unseen. Any comments or concerns regarding this truck are greatly appreciated. My goal is to purchase something I can payoff in relatively short order(under 15k) and one that has been well maintained and is likely to remain reliable for years to come. My work commute is less than 3 miles total, however, regularly (2-3 times/month) take 100-175 mile trips for work. That being said, from what I gather, a well-maintained, rust free truck in this mileage range (150k) should fit the bill. I could not determine whether the timing belt has been done based on the carfax, but imagine that's an easy question to ask of a dealer/independent mechanic. Any suggestion of a good, willing mechanic in the area(75238) is greatly appreciated. Thanks, all.

2003 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr 4WD 3rd Row Nav - Inventory | East Dallas Diesel | Auto dealership in Ft. Worth, Texas

 

[arcteryx]

You have 2 options- 1) hire a company that specializes in PPIs (not great but better than nothing IMO) or 2) post up in the LSLC (DFW) chapter and ask if someone can do it (Better option). I would recommend paying that person for their time- $75-100. This would ensure they get over there soon vs free and at their leisure. The latter could cause you to miss it though.

 

[AvCruiser]

Thanks for the suggestion. I am certainly willing to compensate anyone willing to perform the PPI, and will post accordingly in the LSLC forum.

 

[2001LC]

I've been following the forum for a little over a year, plotting my transition into a cruiser of some sort. The advice and information available here has been beyond helpful, leading me to settle on a 100 series. I've located the vehicle(linked below)in TX and would like to have someone perform a pre-purchase inspection, as I am in Virginia and will be purchasing sight unseen. Any comments or concerns regarding this truck are greatly appreciated. My goal is to purchase something I can payoff in relatively short order(under 15k) and one that has been well maintained and is likely to remain reliable for years to come. My work commute is less than 3 miles total, however, regularly (2-3 times/month) take 100-175 mile trips for work. That being said, from what I gather, a well-maintained, rust free truck in this mileage range (150k) should fit the bill. I could not determine whether the timing belt has been done based on the carfax, but imagine that's an easy question to ask of a dealer/independent mechanic. Any suggestion of a good, willing mechanic in the area(75238) is greatly appreciated. Thanks, all.

2003 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr 4WD 3rd Row Nav - Inventory | East Dallas Diesel | Auto dealership in Ft. Worth, Texas

FWIW 03 uses the older transmission ATF fluid. 04 start of using the new WS ATF, which is a long life fluid. 05 (12/04) had the corrected transmission breather tube.

 

[Sandroad]

If you sign up for the Toyota owners site you type in the VIN and find the service records for work done at a dealer.

Toyota Owners Official Web Site

 

[m3roar]

I bought my LX from Dallas. It's an 03 and all I can say is I wish I would have gotten an 04+ or even spent the extra $ and gone 06-07. Just my take.

 

[JPCruiser]

m3roar, I a new to the world of Cruisers and LX's, I do really like my 01 LC that I bought instead of a polaris ranger and for less money, LOL. What was the major change in 04 and newer in LX's that are significant changes or improvement. Please pardon my ignorance as I am trying to get up to speed.

 

[TXLX100]

Looks like a good deal, but no telling at that price. I'd def recommend getting a PPI on it from a reputable company or individual.

 

[2001LC]

If you sign up for the Toyota owners site you type in the VIN and find the service records for work done at a dealer.

Toyota Owners Official Web Site

Sometime I see VIN that say NO Service History. When deleting VIN from web page, a warning come up. Stating something to the effect of; deleted records may not be recoverable.
Does this delete service records for everyone forever?

 

[Sandroad]

m3roar, I a new to the world of Cruisers and LX's, I do really like my 01 LC that I bought instead of a polaris ranger and for less money, LOL. What was the major change in 04 and newer in LX's that are significant changes or improvement. Please pardon my ignorance as I am trying to get up to speed.

The changes over the years are at this site:

Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

 

[Bomar]

Davenport Motors is a good non dealer to possibly do a PPI

 

[TXLX100]

Sometime I see VIN that say NO Service History. When deleting VIN from web page, a warning come up. Stating something to the effect of; deleted records may not be recoverable.
Does this delete service records for everyone forever?

You'd likely have to get the service record from a dealer or toyota if they will release it to you and if they won't, they should to the selling dealer.

Lexus history stays in the online system accessible by General public, not sure why toyota does theirs different.

 

[YotaV8]

Looks like it could potentially be scary. Notice the pulled up trim on the drivers door, the redone bottom leather on all seats, if it checks out the price is right....